Lead in Iowa Drinking Water — 344 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in Iowa drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Iowa drinking water: 344 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 63 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in Iowa
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 445 ZIP codes in Iowa for lead contamination. 344 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 63 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in Iowa is 14.2% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Iowa
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in Iowa based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in Iowa
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in Iowa:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in Iowa.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Iowa
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50604 | Aplington | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 2 | 50665 | Parkersburg | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 3 | 50644 | Independence | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 4 | 50021 | Ankeny | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 5 | 50313 | Des Moines | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 6 | 50461 | Osage | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 7 | 52162 | Postville | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 8 | 52172 | Waukon | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 9 | 52208 | Belle Plaine | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 10 | 50126 | Iowa Falls | 9 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 11 | 50601 | Ackley | 9 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 12 | 52101 | Decorah | 9 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 50138 | Knoxville | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 50602 | Allison | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 50611 | Bristow | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 50636 | Greene | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 51401 | Carroll | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 51652 | Sidney | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 51653 | Tabor | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 51654 | Thurman | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in Iowa
Cities with Lead Data in Iowa
73 cities in Iowa have lead testing data available.
+ 53 more cities